Psychologists

Service Branches

Work Environment

Psychologists usually work in offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities on land and aboard ships.

Military Status

Officer

Average Military Salary

$118,592

Overview

Psychologists plan, direct, and administer programs that ensure delivery of effective mental health services to military personnel. They utilize psychological principles, theories, and techniques through direct patient care, consultation, as well as education programs related to investigation, evaluation, and treatment of mental illness and behavior disorders. They provide consulting and develop policies to promote mental health awareness and research. They perform experiments to determine the effects of various environmental factors on human behavior, adjustment, performance, and effectiveness.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Learn more about becoming an officer, here.

Job training for psychologists primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Advanced education and training opportunities are available in some specialties, as well as access to sophisticated technologies, research methods, and opportunities to consult with leading military and civilian researchers, as well as the other professional growth opportunities such as attending professional development courses, research seminars, and academic conferences. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare, etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.